The Cossack and Crimean Tatar army of Bohdan Khmelnytsky defeated the Polish vanguard at Zhovti Vody (the Yellow Waters) in a battle that began on 29 April 1648 and ended on 16 May. It was the first significant battle of the Khmelnytsky Uprising.
The vanguard is trapped
According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine, Khmelnytsky commanded 8,000 Zaporozhian Cossacks, 4,000 to 5,000 registered Cossacks who joined him after his first successes, and about 4,000 Crimean Tatars. The Polish force is given as 3,500, though other sources say 5,000. Hetman Mikołaj Potocki, who led the wider army, was too far away to reinforce the vanguard in time.1
Stefan Potocki, who led the vanguard, and Stefan Czarniecki were both captured. Potocki was wounded and died of his wounds.
The Polish defeat
About 1,500 registered Cossacks mutinied on 4 May, and more defected on 14 May, which weakened the Polish defense. The victors went on to defeat Mikołaj Potocki's army at Korsun.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Zhovti Vody?
It was fought from 29 April 1648 near the present-day town of Zhovti Vody in central Ukraine, during the Khmelnytsky Uprising.
Who won the Battle of Zhovti Vody?
Bohdan Khmelnytsky's Cossacks, with their Crimean Tatar allies, defeated the Polish vanguard.
Why did the battle matter?
It was the first significant battle of the uprising, and the Cossack victory was followed by defeats of the main Polish army.
Notes
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